What differentiates the CEC from the two election commissioners? Is he more powerful than the election commissioners?

The chief election commissioner is the face of the election body. All three elections commissioners have the same powers. As the chief, he presides over meetings of the full commission. Generally, the two election commissioners go along with his views.

While the President can 'withdraw his pleasure' in respect to the appointment of the two election commissioners, the chief election commissioner can only be removed after an impeachment notice is passed in Parliament.

Where does the Election Commission operate from? What are its functions?

The Election Commission operates from Nirvachan Sadan on Ashoka Road, New Delhi. It is a constitutional body that is responsible for conducting elections to the Lok Sabha, state assemblies under provisions of the People's Representation Act.

Why has the Election Commission come to hold such an important place in the eyes of the public?

Credit for this goes to then chief election commissioner T N Seshan, who started implementing the Commission's orders strictly. He was followed by Dr M S Gill, J M Lyndogh, T S Krishnamurthy, who also insisted on strict adherence to the model code of conduct during elections.

What did Mr Tandon feel about the recent controversy involving him and his colleague N Gopalaswami for allegedly making casteist comments?

'The developments have been most unfortunate. I have been greatly pained and hurt over the developments since May 7, with wild and baseless allegations being made against me and my esteemed colleague N Gopalaswami. In particular, the scurrilous allegations that we made certain derogatory remarks against a particular community and that we wanted to teach a lesson to a particular leader is most reprehensible. It was a deliberate and calculated attempt to denigrate and undermine the credibility, political neutrality and fair-mindedness of the Election Commission. I can assure you that such attempts can never succeed in deterring me, my colleagues and the commission from discharging our constitutional responsibility in an objective, impartial and totally apolitical manner,' Tandon said.

What will his priority be?

His priority will be to complete the electoral rolls with photographs so that nobody can cast bogus votes.